MANHATTAN — As Mental Health Month unfolds this May, Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) and Kansas Farmers Union announce the release of a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges within the farming and ranching communities. These PSAs not only highlight the importance of prioritizing mental well-being but also emphasize the significance of supporting fellow farmers and ranchers during tough times.

Agriculture, despite its idyllic portrayal, is a profession fraught with unique stressors ranging from unpredictable weather patterns to market fluctuations. These challenges often take a toll on the mental health of farmers and ranchers, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression and suicide within these communities.

“Farmers and ranchers face immense stress on a daily basis,” says Meagan Cramer, director of communications and marketing at Kansas Farm Bureau. “We want to remind our friends it’s important to prioritize their well-being and that of their neighbors.”

The PSAs will be disseminated across various radio stations reaching farmers and ranchers in Kansas.

“When times get tough and farmers and ranchers are under significant stress, services provided by farm groups, hotlines and mediation programs can go a long way in making sure farmers keep their farms and their families. We are proud to partner with KFB on this important effort,” says Nick Levendofsky, Kansas Farmers Union executive director.

To download the PSAs, go to https://soundcloud.com/kansas-farm-bureau/sets/mental-health-psas?si=842b7a1affcd471ca4c5c9216b273980&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing or contact Meagan Cramer at 785-587-6821 or email cramerm@kfb.org